Dear Prospective Student:

Welcome to the Bradley Physics Department!  We are excited that you are interested in coming to Bradley to study Physics with us.  Let me introduce you to the exciting work in both physics instruction and research that is currently underway in our department.  The eight full time physics faculty who are highly qualified instructors and researchers hope you find our department not only intellectually stimulating, but also friendly and helpful in your preparation for a physics or related field career.  The department offers three main degree programs:

Physics:  This degree prepares the student for a career in physics research or as an excellent preparation for graduate study in physics.  The courses in this program produce a strong physics background to enable the student to branch into a wide array of areas of specialization for the future.  For possible career paths for B.S. degrees, please see www.aip.org/statistics/whohires.  For advanced students, this degree will promote your placement into fine graduate programs across the country.

Physics Teaching:  In conjunction with the Teacher Education department, this program prepares the student as a high school physics teacher.  The graduates of this program are currently highly sought after not only in the state of Illinois, but also across the country as there is currently a severe shortage of physics teachers.  Our physics teaching majors have been well placed in recent years.

Engineering Physics:  For those who are interested in engineering but also have a fundamental physics interest may find the engineering physics major to their liking.  A special emphasis in materials or electrical engineering may be chosen where a combination of both physics and engineering courses provide a diverse degree program with both fundamental and applied facets.

The facilities in Olin Hall have recently been renovated, presenting modern, well equipped laboratories.  Teaching facilities include laboratories configured in the latest designs to promote learning at the introductory level, and both labs and classrooms facilitate learning through new multimedia and electronic equipment in a comfortable atmosphere.  The research facilities are state of the art, with an exceptional array of equipment, mainly in the surface physics area.  There is currently a National Science Foundation grant to support students in the summer in surface physics research and we encourage students interested in other areas to apply for summer internships at other research institutions or government laboratories.

If you have any further questions about our program, don’t hesitate to call me.  I would be more than happy to assist you.  I can be reached at 309-677-3008.

Kevin Kimberlin

Chair